[The effects of probiotic, prebiotic and synbiotic diets containing Bacillus coagulans and inulin on rat intestinal microbiota]

An in vivo experiment was conducted to study the effects of probiotic Bacillus coagulans spores, with and without prebiotic, inulin, on gastrointestinal [GI] microbiota of healthy rats and its potentiality to survive in the GI tract. Forty-eight male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups [n=12] and fed as follows: standard diet [control], standard diet supplied with 5% w/w long chain inulin [prebiotic], standard diet with 109/day spores of B. coagulans by orogastric gavage [probiotic], and standard diet with 5% w/w long chain inulin and 109 spores/day of B. coagulans by orogastric gavage [synbiotic]. Rats were fed the diets for 30 days. At day 10, 20 and 30 of experiment, 24 h post administration, four rats from each group were randomly selected and after faecal collection were sacrificed. Small intestine, cecum, and colon were excised from each rat and used for microbial analysis. Administration of synbiotic and probiotic diets led to a significant [P<0.05] increment in lactic acid bacteria [LAB], total aerobic and total anaerobic population compared the prebiotic and control diets. A significant decrease in Enterobacteriaceae counts of various segments of GI tract [except small intestine] in synbiotic, probiotic and prebiotic fed groups were also seen. The obvious decline in spores count through passing GI tract and high surviving spore counts in faecal samples showed that spores are not a normal resident of GI microbiota and affect intestinal microbiota by temporary proliferation. In conclusion, the present study clearly showed probiotic B. coagulans was efficient in beneficially modulating GI microbiota and considering transitional characteristics of B. coagulans, daily consumption of probiotic products is necessary for any long-term effect.

Association between the enterotoxin production and presence of Coa, Nuc genes among Staphylococcus aureus isolated from various sources, in Shiraz

The present study was aimed to identify the frequency of coagulase [Coa] and thermonuclease [Nuc] genes and Staphylococcal enterotoxin A [Sea] production among Staphylococcus aureus isolated from various sources in Shiraz. Moreover, the correlation between the Sea gene and coagulase and thermonuclease enzymes is also considered. A total of 100 S. aureus were isolated from various sources including 40 humans, 30 animals and 30 food samples by the routine biochemical tests. The frequency of Coa, Nuc and Sea genes was evaluated by PCR assay. Correlation among those genes was finally evaluated by statistical analysis. The PCR results showed that the prevalence of Coa, Nuc and Sea genes was 91%, 100% and 14%, respectively. The evaluation of the enterotoxin production indicated that 78.6% of the Sea gene was expressed. The presence of enterotoxin A was not necessarily correlated to the production of toxin. As a final conclusion to detect the enterotoxigenic strains, both genotypic and phenotypic methods are highly recommended

Occurrence of virulence genes and strain diversity of thermophilic campylobacters isolated from cattle and sheep faecal samples

The objective of this study was to investigate the genotypic characteristics of Campylobacter isolates in Shiraz, Iran. A total of 40 Campylobacter isolates including 20 C. jejuni and 20 C. coli were recovered from both cattle and sheep faeces by cultivation methods. The isolates were identified on the basis of polymerase chain reaction [PCR] detection of 16SrRNA and multiplex PCR to determine two species. For confirmed isolates, PCR was carried out for the presence of virulence genes using specific primers. Other than verifying the genetic diversity of thermophilic Campylobacter isolates, flaA PCR-RFLP was performed. Results showed the high prevalence [100%] of the cadF gene and three genes associated with cytolethal distending toxin [CDT]. Plasmid virB11 gene was not found in any Campylobacter isolate, and dissimilarities and discrepancies occurred in pldA, iamA, wlaN, waaC and cgtB genes. Among the 40 Campylobacter isolates studied, nine different types were defined by flaA-typing. Results indicated genetic diversity among Campylobacter isolates recovered from cattle and sheep faecal samples. Findings showed the potential ability of C. jejuni and C. coli with cattle and sheep origins to cause infection in humans

[Assessment of partial distribution of the equivalent dose in radiology waiting room - Ardabil, Iran [2011]]

The exposures related to the department of radiology can be considered as harmful agent for human. This study was done to assess the partial distribution of the equivalent dose in radiology waiting room in Ardabil, Iran. This descriptive analytical study was done in the radiology department and related waiting rooms of 4 teaching hospital and 3 private radiology sonography centers in Ardabil, Northwest of Iran, during 2011. The variables including type of radiography, the number and condition, staying duration in waiting room were considered for dosimetry. Data were analyzed using SPSS-18 and Chi-Square test. The lowest radiation dose belong to one specialist radiology sonography center with 0.2 +/- 0.002 micro S.h[-1]V, but for each radiography were determined to be 0.00275 +/- 0.004 micro S.h-1V. The highest radiation dose belong to one specialist radiography sonography center with 0.4 +/- 0.045 micro S.h[-1]V and for each radiography was 0.016 +/- 0.0006 micro S.h[-1]V. Two teaching hospitals accompanied with three privates centers showed to have radiation dose-rate higher than 0.3 micro S.h-1V [P<0.05]. This study showed that the increasing radiation-dose rate [higher than 0.3 micro S.h[-1]V] in teaching hospitals and private centers can be related to either the unit life or inadepuate of radiological protective shield

[Clinical competency and psychological empowerment of nurses and their correlation with demographic characteristics]

Introduction: Nurse's competency plays an important role in achieving health system objectives. One of the problems in health care system in various countries is the level of nurses' competencies. The aim of this study was to determine clinical competency and psychological empowerment of nurses and their correlation with demographic characteristics

Materials and Methods: In this descriptive-correlational study, 170 subjects were selected through simple random sampling method among the nurses of social security hospitals in Tehran. Data was gathered by the questionnaire with three parts: personal-social characteristics, [Clinical Competency Questionnaire] and [Psychological Empowerment Spreitzer]. Validity and reliability were confirmed in previous studies. Data were analyzed by SPSS/13

Findings: The highest mean score in clinical competency was seen in managerial capabilities dimension [44.41???5.8] and the lowest mean score also was seen in diagnostic procedures dimension [13.94???1.84]

The highest mean score in psychological empowerment was in competency dimension [9.4???1.38] and the lowest mean score also was in independence dimension [8.37???1.72]

In addition, there was a significant correlation between the number of staff in ward, educational status of nurses and some dimensions of clinical competency and psychological empowerment and also between the working experience in current ward and some dimensions of clinical empowerment and clinical work experience and some psychological empowerment dimensions [P<0.05]

Conclusion: Based on the higher rate of managerial capabilities and diagnostic procedures, in opposite of nurses impact and independence, retraining programs, continuing education or in-service education programs for nurses, giving more authority and more responsibility to nurses can promote sense of independence in all nurses

Genotyping of Chlamydia trachomatis from endocervical specimens in Shiraz, Iran

The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and distribution of Chlamydia trachomatis genotypes in Shiraz, Iran. Two hundred twelve cervical swab samples were collected from women attending Shahid Motahari Polyclinic in Shiraz, Iran. The endocervical specimens were screened for C. trachomatis by plasmid PCR. Genotyping was performed in C. trachomatis-positive samples by nested PCR amplification and sequencing of 571 fragment encompassing VD1 and VD2 of omp1 gene. The overall prevalence rate of C. trachomatis in endocervical specimens determined by plasmid nested PCR was 8%. The deduced serovars found, in descending order of prevalence, were F [46.6%], E [33.3%], and D [13.3%], and serovar G was found in a single sample. Sequence mutation analysis by BLAST search against GenBank reference sequences identified 4 genetic variants. This study can be considered a contribution to increasing knowledge on C. trachomatis genotype distribution and sequence variations within each genotype in Shiraz. Further studies are needed to better define molecular epidemiology of C. trachomatis serovars and to investigate its genotype variations in Iran

Is Campylobacter fetus subspecies venerealis infection a cause of reproductive failure in dairy cows in Iran?

Bovine genital campylobacteriosis is one of the most economically important diseases of dairy cattle resulting in lowered fertility, embryo mortality and abortion, repeated returns to service, reduced pregnancy rates and extended calving intervals. While the occurrence of repeat breeding syndrome and abortions are reported from many Iranian dairy cattle farms, little information is available regarding the presence of bovine genital campylobacteriosis in Iran. The present report describes detection of Campylobacter fetus subsp. venerealis infection in two out of eight repeat breeder Holstein Friesian cows [Bos Taurus] using a PCR method in a herd with a history of subfertility in Mashhad, in the northeast of Iran

[Evaluation of clinical skills of medical emergency personnel in Tehran Emergency Center confronting the trauma]

Capability evaluation of medical emergency personnel, which is considered as one of the priorities in confronting the diseases, may provide an appropriate reflection of the performance of pre-graduation training programs and continuous training. The aim of this study was evaluation of clinical skills of medical emergency personnel in Tehran Emergency Center confronting the trauma. This descriptive study has been applied on 536 medical emergency personnel of Tehran Emergency Center. 213 persons were selected via stratified random sampling method. Data were collected through demographic questionnaire and "Clinical Skill Checklist". Content validity of the "Clinical Skill Checklist" has been evaluated and confirmed by 10 lectures and experts. Also reliability coefficient of all skills was equal to 0.803. The researcher observed the medical emergency personnel skills and then completed the "Clinical Skill Checklist". Data was analyzed with SPSS/17, statistical independent T tests, univariante variance analysis, Bonferroni post hoc test and correlation coefficient of Pearson. The results of the study indicated that 62.4% of the medical emergency personnel had good grade in trauma skill but practicing two skills of seated patient's spinal immobilization and traction splint had major skill deficiency. Between age, educational level, field of study, employment records and trauma clinical skill a significant statistical relationship existed [P<0.05]. Although in most skills, the medical emergency personnel had good grade skill, but it is required to provide necessary trainings in two skills that have not obtained sufficient point

[ correlation of family functioning dimensions and self-concept of adolescent smokers in Zanjan]

Use of tobacco products is a most common problem among adolescents. Few researches have been conducted on correlation of family functioning and self-concept among adolescent smokers. The aim of this study was to determine the correlation of family functioning dimensions and self-concept of adolescent smokers in Zanjan In this descriptive-correlational study, 100 male adolescent smokers were selected by purposive sampling method. A questionnaire was used for data collection that included 3 parts: 1- demographic characteristics 2- Mc Master Family Assessment Device 3- Beck Self-Concept Test. Face and content and validity index of instruments were measured. Reliability of the instrument was determined by internal consistency for Mc Master Family Assessment Device [Alpha=0.81], Beck Self-Concept Test [Alpha=0.91] and test- retest method [Ghe=0.84] and [Ghe=0.91] respectively. Data was analyzed by SPSS/16. Results showed that the highest and lowest dimensions of family functioning were problem solving function and roles function respectively. Most subjects [88%] had average family functioning and only 4% of them had high family functioning. In addition, results illustrated that, 61% of subjects had neutral self-concept. There was a significant correlation between family functioning and self-concept and affective response had the highest score than other dimensions of family functioning [r=0.34, P=0.000]. The results of the study showed that adolescents' self-concepts were correlated with family functioning. Therefore, creating a supportive family environment and parenting education, should be incorporated in nursing interventions of smoking prevention

Phytoremediation potential of Populus alba and Moms alba for cadmium, chromuim and nickel absorption from polluted soil

Metal pollution has become one of the most serious environmental problems resulting from human activity. Phytoremediation utilizes plants to uptake contaminants and can potentially be used to remediate metal-contaminated sites. The present study investigates heavy metal uptake [Cd, Cr, and Ni] from soil by different organs of Populus alba and Moms alba. For this purpose, Cd [40, 80, and 160 mg/kg], Cr [60, 120, and 240 mg/kg] and Ni [120, 240, and 480 mg/kg] were added to the soil in pot experiments over the course of a growing season in open air. The total concentration of these metals was measured in the roots, stems, green leaves, fallen leaves, and the corresponding soil. Our results show that the highest accumulation of all studied metals was found in the leaves. Furthermore, the fallen leaves had higher concentrations of Cd and Cr in P. alba and Cr and Ni in M. alba when compared to the green leaves. In the two species, Cd and Ni did not transport from the leaves to the roots and stems, or vice versa, in the fall season, but Cr was transported from the roots and stems to the leaves in the 240 and 480 mg/kg treatments.In addition, the determination of a bioconcentration factor and a translocation factor showed that P. alba and M. alba were suitable for phytoextraction of Cd and Ni in all treatments respectively; however, none of the plants was suitable for phytostabilization

[Effects of Curcumin supplementation on BDNF and oxidative/antioxidative process in rat's hippocampus which exposed to lead]

Lead threaten living creature's life as air pollutant and causes several diseases such as degenerative disease of nervous system. This research was conducted to determine the effect of Curcumin on BDNF changes and oxidative/antioxidative process in rat's hippocampus which exposed to Lead acetate. In this experimental study, 40 male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to four groups of ten: Base, Sham[control], lead and Curcumin+Lead. lead and Curcumin+Lead groups received 20 mg/kg lead acetate and Curcumin+Lead group also received 30 mg/kg Curcumin, peritoneally for 8 weeks [3 days in weeks]. MDA [oxidative stress biomarker] and TAC [total antioxidative capacity] levels were measured by TBARS and FRAP methods, respectively, and hippocampus BDNF level was measured by ELISA method in rat hippocampus region. Data was analyzed by one-way ANOVA test and Tukey at P<0.05 level. Injection of lead acetate significantly increased MDA, non-significantly decreased hippocampus BDNF and significantly decreased TAC levels in the Lead group compared with control groups. On the other hand, curcumin administration led to non significantly decreased MDA, nonsignificantly increased BDNF and significantly increased TAC levels compared with other groups [P<0.05]. This study showed that Curcumin adminstration in long term lead acetate-treated male Wistar Rats did not increased BDNF of hippocampus, but it prevent the reduction of BNDF due to lead-intoxification

Lethal effect of high temperatures on the eggs of fasciola hepatica

Fasciolosis is a cosmopolitan parasitic disease with considerable economic and public health importance. Fasciola hepatica is the major cause of fasciolosis in man and domestic animals. Although remarkable research works have been done around the optimum temperature and time required for miracidial development, little is known about the exact susceptibility of Fasciola hepatica eggs to high temperatures. In the present study, Fasciola hepatica eggs were initially incubated at 40°C, 45°C, and 50°C for various times [1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 h], followed by incubation at 28°C for 16 days. Miracidial formation was subsequently investigated on the 16th day of incubation. Even though the rate of miracidial formation in the control group was 52%, in the eggs incubated at 40°C for 1, 3, and 5 h, the miracidial formations were 51.4%, 42.4% and 39.9%, respectively, and these values in the group incubated at 45°C were 46%, 42.5% and 33.7%, as well. However, in the case of incubation at 50°C for 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 h, these values were recorded as 1.96%, 0.57%, 0.07%, 0.00% and 0.00%, respectively. The results indicated that the eggs were susceptible to high temperatures and incubation of the eggs at 50°C for 4 h was enough to significantly inactivate the eggs and prevent miracidial formation [P<0.001]. However, using the livestock faeces as fertilizer in many rural areas may lead to the contamination of pasture. According to the findings of this study, in the areas with a high prevalence rate of Fasciola hepatica, manure storage for a sufficient time or heating the livestock manure before use as fertilizer is strongly recommended

survey of hygiene and safety physical environment status of primary schools in Shahrekord city in 2009

Today, about 6 million elementary school students are studying in Iran. Due to physical characteristic and special behavior, these students are faced with environmental dangers more than adults. Hygiene and safety physical environment of schools has effective role in the students health.The aim of this research was to determine physical environment health status of public primary school students in Shahrekord city in 2009. In the present descriptive study, all 37 public primary schools of Shahrekord city were surveyed using census methodology.Data were collected through checklist with l05 questions including four sections. Validity tools confirmed content validity. Reliability tools confirmed inter-rater correlation coefficient.Check lists were completed by direct observation and exact measures by standard meter and review and observation documents. Data were analyzed by SPSS software version 16 through two-way variance analysis [p<0.01]. The results showed that health status of school buildings in 100% of schools was appropriate. Equipment and facilities in 47.4% of schools were suitable and in 52 .6% were insufficient. Health facilities status in 36.8%of schools was suitable and in 63.2% was insufficient. Safety physical environment status in 36.8% of schools was suitable and in 63.2% was insufficient. The results also indicated the health status of these buildings scored highest with a mean and standard deviation of 75.6 +/- 3.1 while status of health facilities scored lowest with the mean and standard deviation of 31.2 +/- 4. According to the results hygiene and safety physical environmental status did not have a satisfactory condition. Continuous checking of the condition helps to find weak and strong point in order to plan a better health condition of primary schools